UPDATE
Spaceship One
Scaled Composites
3 Killed, 3 Critically Injured In Mojave Airport Explosion
July 26, 2007
MOJAVE, Calif. -- A fatal explosion at a Mojave Desert airport during testing of a propellant system for a new space tourism vehicle has shaken a small community that prides itself as the hometown of the first private space launch.
The blast Thursday at a remote test facility belonging to Scaled Composites LLC killed three workers and critically injured three others.
Emergency responders found a tanker truck overturned by the force of the blast, according to KNBC news.
Scaled Composited employees, Eric Blackwell, Charles May & Todd Ivens were all killed in the blast, KNBC news reported. Blackwell and May died at the scene, Ivens died after being transported to Kern Medical Center.
All three were at a test pad while pressure-testing the flow of nitrous oxide in a tank.
For an unknown reason, the tank exploded.
SOURCE: KNBC News
Letter from Scaled Composites
29 July 2007
Dear Friends,
On Thursday, July 26, 2007, Scaled suffered a tragic accident. In a routine test of rocket motor components, an unexplained explosion occurred that took the life of three of our family and injured many others.
We are working closely with government investigators to determine the cause of this accident. In addition, we are engaging several outside experts to help us ensure that we precisely understand what went wrong and how we might prevent a future occurrence. The safety and well-being of our employees is our highest priority and we intend to share the appropriate lessons learned from our investigation with the industry so others may learn from our experience.
Words cannot express the appreciation we feel for all of you who have extended your prayers and good wishes to us during this time of hardship. The outpouring of comfort and support has done much to bring some healing. As you know, we lost three of our own; three more were critically or seriously injured and are in various stages of recovery in local hospitals; and several others retained less serious physical injuries but face the emotional healing that follows tragedy.
Memorial services are scheduled for the families and friends of the deceased. Todd Ivens' parents have arrived in California and will be having a memorial for their son with his Scaled family, Tuesday, July 31, at Noon. This will be followed by a burial service with his family in Oregon in the days ahead.
The funeral for Glen May is Friday, August 3, 2007, in Collierville, TN. The family would love to hear from anyone who has special memories of Glen; please email them to
aprildmay@aol.com. They will be sharing many stories with all those gathered in Glen's memory.
Eric Blackwell's services will be August 11, 2007, in Ridgecrest, CA. There will be a gathering afterwards for those close to Eric to share their memories.
The three who were critically or seriously injured in the accident remain hospitalized. Gene Gisin and Keith Fritsinger remain in critical condition, but are progressing in their rehabilitation. Each day shows improvement, and our hope for a complete recovery becomes more and more visible. Keith Fritsinger will be taken later Tuesday afternoon to a burn unit in Southern California to continue his recovery.
Jason Kramb is making great progress. He is no longer listed as serious, and he has been in good spirits and surrounded by many friends and loving family. To continue his recuperation, he has been transferred to a burn unit in Southern California. Although he has recovered to a great extent, he still has some weeks to go in his rehabilitation.
All three of the hospitalized are surrounded by loving family, who are also in need of our strength and support. Many of you have extended your desire to help them in their time of need. Letters and cards of sympathy can be sent care of Scaled at the address below.
Scaled Family Support Fund
c/o Scaled Composites
1624 Flight Line
Mojave, CA. 93501
As many can understand, this accident has left an emotional wound in our Scaled family. We ask for your continued prayers and good wishes that all those hurting can find strength and solace in the days ahead.
With grateful hearts,
The Scaled Composites Family